Grizedale Forest and Carron Crag self-guided walking route
A stunning walk through Grizedale Forest with many sculptures along the way and breath-taking views from Park Crags and Carron Crag.
YHA Hawkshead
Entire place
20% off
HOTDEAL-264
Valid for Exclusive Hire stays from 17th September 2025 to 1st March 2026 using the promo code at the checkout. Promotional terms apply. YHA members can get 25% off with our exclusive member-only code. View all hostels on this offer.
Overview
This family friendly, grade II listed building is an ideal base for cheap breaks, school trips and activity holidays in Beatrix Potter country. YHA Hawkshead is great for walking and cycling and nearby Grizedale Forest offers some of the country’s best routes if you're looking for a mountain biking holiday.
YHA Hawkshead offers our biggest choice of Camping & Cabins – with an atmospheric glamping village of camping pods, cabins and tipis in our grounds. Free Wi-Fi is available in our spacious social areas and you can expect tranquil views over Esthwaite Water, fabulous drinks in our licensed bar and plenty of Regency charm.
Accommodation at this hostel
- Bed in a shared room is offered here
- Private room is offered here
- Camping & Cabins is offered here
- Entire place is offered here
Why guests love this hostel
- Close to Grizedale Forest and Coniston Lake
- Lakeside location overlooking Esthwaite Water
- Atmospheric glamping village of camping pods, cabins and tipis
Accommodation at YHA Hawkshead
Group booking
Serviced group stays for 16 to 103 people
Schools and groups will easily fall for YHA Hawkshead’s Regency charm. For school groups, YHA Hawkshead has a wealth of opportunities for pupils of all ages and the location is superb for groups wanting to explore the heart of the Lake District on their own adventures.
Social groups staying at the hostel can take advantage of our great group catering options. Literary buffs can discover the famous attractions like Hill Top Farm and Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, while cycle groups will love how close we are to Grizedale Forest – a mecca for mountain bikers of all abilities.
Group-friendly facilities
Sleeping arrangements
Most of our bedrooms are dormitory style rooms with bunk beds. We always try to allocate bedrooms close together and will never ask your group to share bedrooms with anyone not in your group.
Upgrades are available for sole use of an area, floor or the entire place.
Shared spaces
This tranquil lakeside location overlooks Esthwaite Water and offers handy facilities like free Wi-Fi. School trips and walking groups can relax with a game of pool, enjoy the lake views or use our ample grounds and gardens to let off a little steam.
Group catering
With tasty breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals, groups are sure to find something delicious to eat at YHA Hawkshead (see sample menu).
Meal plans range from bed and breakfast up to full-board catering. Vegetarian options are available and we aim to cater for any special dietary requests.
Parking
Parking is available at the hostel.
Packages and bolt-ons
Looking to fill some free time? Our bolt-on activities can easily be added to your stay.
Accredited site
YHA Hawkshead holds a Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge (105540).
This accreditation means that this hostel has externally audited risk assessments, verified insurance provision, quality checked safety logs and delivery observed by national reviewers.
Hostel facilities
- Baby changing
- Contactless payments
- Cycle store
- Dining room
- Evening meals
- Free parking on premises
- Games
- Garden/grounds
- Group meals
- Highchair
- Intermittent mobile coverage
- Lake view
- Large garden/grounds
- Licensed bar
- Minibus parking on premises
- Mountain view
- Outdoor games kit
- Outdoor seating
- Pool table
- Self-catering kitchen
- Shared drying room
- Shared lounge
- Unlimited breakfast
- Vending machines
- Water refill station
- WiFi
Hostel need to know
Reception hours: From 07:30 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests daily from 07:30 – 09:00. Meals are also available from 17:00 – 20:00.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Parking: There is free parking on site and an overflow car park for use during busy times.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in shared social spaces.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted at YHA Hawkshead, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation or when hiring the whole hostel or courtyard through YHA Exclusive Hire. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol, except when hiring the whole hostel or courtyard through YHA Exclusive Hire.
YHA Hawkshead - Access Statement
(PDF download - 140.32 KB)
Food and drink at YHA Hawkshead
Things to do around YHA Hawkshead
Tarn Hows and Hawkshead self-guided walking route
A lovely walk to stunning Tarn Hows Site of Special Scientific Interest, formed by a dam built in 1865, and then through picturesque Hawkshead village with many historic buildings.
Hawkshead village and courthouse self-guided walking route
A gentle stroll through the charming village of Hawkshead with its historic buildings and interesting shops.
Windermere Lake Cruises
Windermere is England’s largest lake situated in the heart of the Lake District. Experience the spectacular views of mountain scenery, secluded bays and the delightful wooded islands by boat with...
Go Ape Grizedale Forest
Go Ape Adventures at Grizedale Forest is the ultimate outdoor activity for adventurous families and adults. Take part in the Treetop Challenge, Zip Trekking Adventure or Treetop Adventure Plus. There...
The World of Beatrix Potter
Take a walk through Miss Potter's famous tales, complete with animatronics and walk-through scenes from her stories. The exhibition features favourite characters from the famous books, an award...
Brantwood
Discover the home of John Ruskin. A historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, Brantwood is the former home of artist and social reformer John Ruskin. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating...
Windermere Jetty Museum
Come rain or shine the museum offers a welcoming space to spend time with friends and family. Housed inside striking architecture you’ll find a fascinating collection of boats, interactive displays...
Dove Cottage
Visit the barely-changed home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. You'll find plenty to inspire you in the museum too.
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
Situated in the pretty Lake District village of Hawkshead, the Grammar School Museum tells the story of school life since its founding in 1585. Our most famous pupil was William Wordsworth and in its...
Watersports in Hawkshead
Only five miles from Windermere, you can try your hand at anything from a lake cruise through to wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. If you feel the need for speed you can even hire a power boat.
Highpoint Mountain Guides
Navigation, rock climbing and mountaineering courses for skills training, guided activities or just having some group fun. Instructors and mountain guides used by Highpoint Mountain Guide are...
Mountain biking in Hawkshead
Set off down the bridleway from the back of the hostel to join Grizedale forest which offers hundreds of different routes for mountain bikers of all abilities. The highest point in the forest is Karen...
The Ruskin Museum
Exhibition including the Ruskin collection, the copper mines, slate, geology, farming and Donald Campbell's Bluebird. Visit the website
Steam Yacht Gondola
The gondola is the perfect way to view Coniston's spectacular scenery. Sail to Monk Coniston jetty and then walk to Tarn Hows. View the Yacht's National Trust website
Coniston Cruises
Enjoy a beautiful boat cruise on Coniston Water, staying on the boat for the full cruise or getting off at a jetty to explore. Or just use the service as a ferry to get between where the different...
Hill Top (Beatrix Potter)
Full of her favourite things, the house looks like Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Don't miss the lovely cottage garden.
Coniston Boating Centre
To see Coniston Water and the stunning fells hire a motor boat, canoe, rowing boat or sailing boat and explore. Take a break at the Bluebird Café right on the edge of Coniston Water. Visit the website
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
From the leaf-shaped door handles to the carved wooden panelling, Blackwell is an important icon of Arts & Crafts architecture. Visit Blackwell's website
Lakes Aquarium
Watch otters swim from the underwater tunnel, stroll through the tropical rainforest and explore the seashore discovery zone.
More about this hostel
Volunteering
We are very grateful for all of the help and support that our generous volunteers give to YHA. We are proud of our “Investors in Volunteering” accreditation and have a wide range of opportunities available across the country, all of which will provide great learning or social experiences and help us to create even more opportunities for young people.
Why not come and spend some time at YHA Hawkshead to find out more about our fabulous hostels and spend some time helping us maintain our high standards of hospitality. The tasks are energetic and varied and in return you will get to meet some great people who both work and stay in our hostels as well as enjoying your time off to get out and discover the beautiful Lake District landscape.
Find out more and apply to volunteer.
Meet the team
Manager recommends: Great for family activity breaks and some of the best cycling and mountain biking holidays that England has to offer. After an active day in the south Lakes, relax on the veranda, overlooking the expansive gardens and tranquil Esthwaite Water.
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